Grand National First Day Review

Platinum Command claims Group 3 feature

Awapuni trainer Lisa Latta recorded her third training win in the time honoured Winning Edge Presentations sponsored Winer Cup with PLATINUM COMMAND. The seven-year-old mare was simply the best horse on the day out-finishing SHE’S POPPY who looked headed for victory half way down the straight and the ‘up-and-comer’ DEZ. Apprentice Ryan Elliot was the winning rider.
Another apprentice recorded the most notable of riding milestones with his first win in the El Doute Cashmere Plate. Rohan Mudhoo, brother of successful rider Krishna, is apprenticed to Riccarton Park trainer Mike McCann who was moved to shed a tear when his young charge won on stable runner FRANKIE THE FOX with a well-timed run from well back in the field.
A sensation at the last fence handed 14-year-old veteran AMANOOD LAD the NZI Koral Steeplechase. NOTABADROOSTER who trainer Chris Faulkner had brought south the previous Sunday appeared to have the race in the bag coming to the last but blundered and fell hampering CHOCOLATE FISH in the process and allowing AMANOOD LAD to steal the race. CHOCOLATE FISH retained second from THE BOG OPAL and KINGS DEEP.
Riccarton Park trainer Kevin Hughes is a past master with jumpers and prepared successful flat galloper SPEEDY JAX to his maiden steeplechase win in the Avon City Ford Steeplechase over the ‘two miles’.
Earlier in the days opener LAEKEEPER secured favouritism for Wednesday’s Hospitality NC Canterbury Grand National Hurdles with a convincing win in the Racecourse Hotel Sydenham Hurdles. Owner trainer Simon Lees took time away from his dental practice to make his first trip to Riccarton Park with regular jockey Emily Farr the winning rider. JACKFROST and DRUMGOLD filled the minor placings.
Sometimes there is a racing God. Southland owner John Dooley paid a late entry and took it on the chin when FINBARR was stranded on the ballot. He and part-owner Gay Robinson also lined FRANCONI up in the last race and their gelding obliged at 55/1.